Inspection device for packaging machine and packaging machine having inspection device

Abstract

An inspection device (5) for a packaging machine (1) for producing packages (2) is described, comprising a control unit (6) for controlling the inspection device (5), a transport device (7) and an inspection unit (8) configured to inspect the packages (2). The transport device (7) comprises a planar motor (10) having a plurality of carriers (11) configured to receive the respective packages (2) at an entry station (12) and to transport the respective packages (2) to an exit station (13). The inspection device (8) is arranged in an inspection station (14) adjacent to the planar motor (10). The control unit (6) is configured to selectively control movement of the carriers (11) in order to selectively guide one or more carriers (11) towards the inspection station (14) and then towards the exit station (14), and the inspection unit (8) is configured, in use, to inspect the packages (2) moving to the inspection station (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an inspection device for a packaging machine.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable foods, into packages, in particular packages formed from a multilayer packaging material, the packaging machine comprising at least one inspection device. Background Art

[0003] As is known to all, many liquid or pourable foods, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in the form of packages made of sterile packaging materials, especially sealed packages.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable foods called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. This packaging material has a multilayer structure, which includes a cardboard and / or paper base layer, which is covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In aseptic packages for long-term storage of products, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0005] These packages are usually produced by fully automatic packaging machines, which form and fill the multi-layer packaging material at very high speeds (more than 10,000 packages per hour or even faster).

[0006] As is known to all, for quality control purposes, it is necessary to sample and analyze the produced packages according to a defined sampling plan. Usually, the implementation of such a sampling plan requires the intervention of technical operators.

[0007] Although the known packaging machines operate satisfactorily, there is still a desire in the industry to further improve the known packaging machines. Summary of the invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device for a packaging machine in a direct and low-cost manner, in particular an inspection device configured to inspect packages processed in a packaging machine, and more particularly an inspection device configured to inspect packages processed in a packaging machine and control the quality of the packages.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging machine with an inspection device in a direct and low-cost manner, in particular an inspection device configured to inspect packages processed in the packaging machine, in particular an inspection device configured to inspect packages processed in the packaging machine and control the quality of the packages.

[0010] According to the invention, an inspection device according to independent claim 1 is provided.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the inspection device are claimed in the claims which are directly or indirectly dependent on claim 1 .

[0012] According to the invention, a packaging machine according to claim 15 is also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine according to the invention having at least one inspection device, with parts removed for clarity;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of an inspection device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A detailed perspective view of the inspection device, with parts removed for clarity;

[0017] Figure 4 is a second embodiment of an inspection device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0018] Figures 5 to 7 Schematically illustrates Figure 1 Three variations of details of the inspection device, with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference numeral 1 denotes as a whole a packaging machine for producing packages 2 filled with pourable products, in particular pourable foods, such as (pasteurized) milk, juice, wine, ketchup, salt, sugar, emulsions, yoghurts, milk drinks or the like.

[0020] The packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 filled with pourable food products.

[0021] In detail, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce packages 2 from a packaging material having a multilayer structure.

[0022] In more detail, the packaging material may comprise at least one fibrous material layer, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealed plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiching the fibrous material layer. One of the two layers of heat-sealed plastic material may define the inner face of the package 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0023] In addition, the packaging material may further include a gas and light barrier material layer, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, especially arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer. Preferably, the packaging material may further include another heat-sealable plastic material layer sandwiched between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0024] In more detail, the packaging material may be provided in the form of a roll 3 .

[0025] Each package 2 obtained by the packaging machine 1 may comprise a longitudinal seam portion.

[0026] Furthermore, each package 2 may also comprise pairs of respective first and second transverse sealing bands, in particular arranged on opposite sides of the package 2. In particular, the first transverse sealing bands may define a transverse top sealing band, and the second transverse sealing bands may define a transverse bottom sealing band.

[0027] In more detail, especially with reference to Figure 3 Each package 2 may comprise a first wall 40, in particular a first wall 40 bearing and / or having a first transverse sealing strip. Preferably, the first wall 40 may define a support surface for the package 2, which support surface may be designed to, when in use, come into contact with a support (such as a shelf) for example exposed in a point of sale or when stored or transported. In particular, the first wall 40 may define a bottom wall when arranged on a support.

[0028] Furthermore, each package 2 may further comprise a side wall 41 (fixedly connected to the first wall 40, which side wall may extend from the first wall 40. In particular, the side wall 41 may carry and / or have at least a part of the longitudinal seam portion.

[0029] In addition, each package 2 may further include a second wall 42 opposite to the first wall 41 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 41. In particular, the side wall 41 may be inserted between the first wall 40 and the second wall 42.

[0030] Preferably, each side wall 41 can carry and / or have a second transverse sealing strip.

[0031] In particular, the second wall 42 may define a top wall when the package 2 is arranged on a stand.

[0032] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the first wall 41 and the second wall 42 may be parallel to each other.

[0033] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall 41 and the second wall 42 can be inclined relative to each other. In particular, the second wall 42 can define an inclined top, or can define a portion of a mountain-style top.

[0034] According to some possible embodiments not shown, each package 2 may also comprise a closure, for example applied on the second wall 42. The closure may be applied, for example, after, during or before forming, filling and sealing the packaging material.

[0035] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, each package 2 may also include a straw, a label, promotional material, etc.

[0036] Special reference Figure 1 , the packaging machine 1 may include:

[0037] a package filling device 4 for filling packages 2, in particular for processing and filling packages 2, in particular for processing packages 2 from a multilayer packaging material and for filling packages 2; and

[0038] at least one inspection device 5 for selective inspection, in particular also for carrying out a quality control of one or more packs 2 produced in the pack filling device 4 .

[0039] In particular, the checking device 5 can be arranged downstream of the package filling device 4 ; that is to say the checking device 5 receives the packages 2 from the package filling device 4 during use.

[0040] Preferably, the inspection device 5 can be configured to selectively inspect, in particular also determine the quality of the packs 2 and / or inspect the packs 2 for defects.

[0041] Special reference Figure 2 , the inspection device 5 comprises:

[0042] - a control unit 6 for controlling the operation of the inspection device 5 itself;

[0043] - a transport device 7 , in particular operatively connected to the control unit 6 ; and

[0044] One or more inspection units 8 , in the specific embodiment one, configured to inspect, in particular also determine the quality of the packs 2 and / or detect defects in the packs 2 .

[0045] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the operation of the transport device 7 so as to selectively advance the package 2 to each inspection unit 8 .

[0046] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the operation of each inspection unit 8 .

[0047] In more detail, the transport device 7 includes a planar motor 10 having a plurality of carriers 11 configured to receive the packages 2 at an inlet 12 and transport the packages 2 to an outlet 13 .

[0048] In particular, the control unit 6 may be operatively connected to the planar motor 10 and configured to control the operation of the planar motor 10 , in particular the movement of the carrier 11 .

[0049] Preferably, the control unit 6 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each vehicle 11 .

[0050] In particular, the control unit 6 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each vehicle 11 independently of the other vehicles 11. In this case, independent means that the control unit 6 may selectively accelerate and decelerate each vehicle 11 in a manner that may be different from any acceleration and deceleration of the other vehicles 11. In addition, the control unit 6 may also control the movement of each vehicle 11 to avoid undesired collisions with one or more other vehicles 11.

[0051] Back to Figure 2 Each inspection unit 8 can be arranged adjacent to the planar motor 10 at the inspection station 14 , in particular so that each inspection unit 8 is able to inspect those packages 2 which are moved to the inspection station 14 during use.

[0052] The inspection unit 8 may be disposed adjacent to the planar motor 10 , or the inspection unit 8 may be at least partially disposed at the planar motor 10 (eg, on or in a layer of the planar motor 10 ).

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier 11, in particular, to move together with the corresponding packages 2, so as to selectively guide at least some of the carriers 11 to the inspection station 14 and then to the exit station 13. Preferably, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively control the movement of the carriers 11, so as to selectively guide one or more carriers 11 and the corresponding packages 2 to the inspection station 14 according to the determined sampling plan.

[0054] In particular, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of the carrier 11 in order to guide to the inspection station 14 only those packages 2 which should be inspected, in particular for determining the quality of the respective packages 2 and / or for detecting defects.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of the carriers 11 so as to move these carriers 11 (carrying packages 2 that do not need to be inspected) to the exit station 13, in particular directly to the exit station 13 (without passing through the inspection station 14).

[0056] In other words, the control unit 6 can be configured to selectively move, in particular directly move, the carrier 11 along a first path P from the entry station 12 to the exit station 13, or along a second path Q from the entry station 12 to the inspection station 14, in particular from the entry station 12 to the inspection station 14 and from the inspection station 14 to the exit station 13, which is different from the first path Q.

[0057] Preferably, the first imaginary line extending from the entry station 12 to the inspection station 14 and the second imaginary line extending from the inspection station 14 to the exit station 13 describe and / or define an angle different from 180° or different from a multiple of 180°. In other words, the second path Q cannot be described by a straight line.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown schematically, each inspection unit 8 may include an imaging device 15 configured to acquire images of the packages 2 that, when in use, are moved to the inspection station 14. In particular, the imaging device 15 may be arranged so that the imaging device 15 may be arranged above the packages 2 that, when in use, are moved to the inspection station 14. In other words, when in use, the packages 2 located at the inspection station 14 are inserted between the respective carrier 11 and the imaging device 15.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, each inspection unit 8 may include a scanning device 16 , in particular a laser scanning device 16 , configured to scan and acquire three-dimensional structural data of the packages 2 moved to the inspection station 14 .

[0060] Preferably, the scanning device 16 may be configured to scan the corresponding side wall 41 , in particular the corresponding second wall 42 , of the corresponding package 2 .

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the examination unit 8 may include both the scanning device 16 and the imaging device 15. However, it must be emphasized that the examination unit 8 may include only the imaging device 15 or only the scanning device 16.

[0062] According to some other embodiments, the inspection device 5 may also include more than one inspection unit 8 .

[0063] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each or some of the inspection units 8 may include a corresponding imaging device 15 and / or a corresponding scanning device 16 .

[0064] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the inspection device 5 may comprise at least one analysis device 17 , preferably an analysis device operatively coupled to each imaging device 15 and / or each scanning device 16 .

[0065] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, each inspection unit 8 can include a respective analysis device 17 .

[0066] Alternatively, the examination device 5 may comprise a central analysis device 17 operatively coupled to each examination unit 8 , in particular to a respective imaging device 15 and / or a respective scanning unit 16 .

[0067] Each analyzing device 17 may be configured to analyze the image acquired by the imaging device 15 , and / or may be configured to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the corresponding package 2 based on the three-dimensional data acquired by the scanning device 16 .

[0068] Preferably, each inspection unit 8 and / or each analysis device 17 can be configured to determine the quality and / or to detect defects of the respective package 2 , in particular based on an analysis of the respective image and / or the respective three-dimensional model.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, one or more inspection units 8 may be configured to inspect the packages 2 to determine the weight of the packages 2 .

[0070] More specifically, the one or more inspection units 8 may comprise each respective weight detection sensor 9 , preferably connected to respective analysis means 17 and configured to determine the weight of the packages 2 directed to the respective inspection station 14 .

[0071] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the weight detection sensor 9 may include at least one sensor 26 , such as a strain gauge, which is preferably operatively connected to a corresponding analysis device 17 .

[0072] In particular, the respective analysis device 17 may be configured to determine the mass of the package 2 by comparing the determined weight with an expected weight.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, one or more or all inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all analysis devices 17 may be configured to determine whether the package 2 corresponds to a desired shape and / or any deviations therefrom.

[0074] The one or more inspection units 8 and / or the one or more analysis devices 17 may also be configured to inspect for defects such as incorrect sealing, deformation, incorrect weight, etc.

[0075] According to some possible embodiments, one or more or all inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all analysis devices 17 may be configured to control the quality of one or more parts of the package 2. These parts may be closures, straws, labels, promotional materials, etc.

[0076] According to some possible embodiments, one or more or all inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all analysis devices 17 may be configured to control the printed information presented on the package 2. Such printed information may be a best before date, a production batch, a production location, an EAN number, etc.

[0077] Preferably, one or more or all checking units 8 and / or one or more or all analyzing devices 17 can also be configured to control whether the printed information corresponds to the expected printed information. For example, it can be controlled whether the best before date or EAN number printed on the package 2 corresponds to the expected best before date or the expected EAN number.

[0078] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, one or more or all of the inspection devices 5 may also include a processing unit configured to process the package 2. For example, the processing unit may be configured to apply and / or print decorations and / or information and / or objects (such as straws, closures, labels, promotional materials, etc.) on the package 2. Preferably, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analysis devices 17 may be configured to control the package 2 after, before and / or during processing.

[0079] Furthermore, one or more or all of the inspection units 8 and / or one or more or all of the analysis devices 17 may be configured to control whether a desired processing result is obtained.

[0080] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the inspection device 5 , such as one or more inspection units 8 , may be configured to signal the inspection result to the control unit 6 and / or a technical operator and / or the package production device 4 .

[0081] For example, the packaging production device 4 may be configured to automatically modify operating parameters, and / or a technical operator may modify operating parameters of the packaging production device 4 based on the inspection results.

[0082] Special reference Figure 3 , each carrier 11 may include a support surface 19 for carrying a corresponding package 2 .

[0083] In particular, each package 2 may extend along a mutually perpendicular longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B and a second transverse axis C. Preferably, the extension of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis A may be greater than the respective extensions along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C. Preferably, the respective first wall 40 and the respective second wall 42 may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis A.

[0084] Preferably, each package 2 can be arranged on the respective carrier 11 such that the respective longitudinal axis A is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the support surface 19 .

[0085] In particular, each first wall 41 may be in contact with the support surface 19 when placed on the corresponding carrier 11 .

[0086] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each carrier 11 can be configured to rotate the corresponding package 2 about the rotation axis E at the inspection station 14, in particular under the control of the control unit 6.

[0087] Preferably, each carrier 11 is configured to rotate itself about an axis of rotation E in order to rotate the corresponding package 2 about the axis of rotation E.

[0088] Furthermore, the rotation axis E can be parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A of the respective package 2 .

[0089] In more detail, the rotation axis E may be transverse, in particular substantially perpendicular, to the respective support surface 19 .

[0090] In particular, it may be advantageous to rotate the pack 2 about the rotation axis E during operation of the scanning device 16 and / or the imaging device 15 .

[0091] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control each carrier 11 to move along three linear axes and around three rotational axes. In other words, each carrier 11 has six degrees of freedom.

[0092] Even more specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the movement of each carrier 11 along a first linear axis X, a second linear axis Y perpendicular to the first linear axis X, and a third linear axis Z perpendicular to the first linear axis X and the second linear axis Y. In this way, the position of each carrier 11 (and the corresponding package 2 it carries) may be controlled in three-dimensional space.

[0093] Furthermore, each control unit 6 may be configured to control the angular movement of each carrier 11 around an axis of rotation E, a second axis of rotation F perpendicular to the axis of rotation E, and a third axis of rotation G perpendicular to the axis of rotation E and the second axis of rotation F. This makes it possible to control the angular position of the carrier 11 (and the respective package 2 it carries).

[0094] By providing six degrees of freedom, the angular and spatial position of the pack 2 can be precisely controlled, in particular for improving the inspection of the pack 2 .

[0095] Special reference Figure 2 The planar motor 10 may further include a planar control module 20 , in particular, which is operably coupled to the control unit 6 .

[0096] Preferably, the plane control module 20 may include a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field to selectively move the vehicle 11 .

[0097] The control unit 6 may be configured to control the plurality of coils to control the movement of the carrier 11 , in particular along the first X, second Y and third Z linear axes and around the E, second F and third G rotational axes.

[0098] More specifically, the control unit 6 may be configured to control the carrier 11 along the third linear axis Z so as to lift the carrier 11 from the planar control module 20. In particular, the carrier 11 is placed on the planar control module 20 with the coil de-energized.

[0099] Furthermore, the planar control module 20 may extend along a first axis (particularly parallel to the first linear axis X) and a second axis (particularly parallel to the second linear axis Y).

[0100] Advantageously, each carrier 11 may comprise at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element, allowing each carrier 11 to interact with the local electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

[0101] The control unit 6 may be configured to selectively control the movement of each vehicle 11 along the first and first linear axis X and the second and second linear axis Y by controlling the interaction of the local electromagnetic field with at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element of each vehicle 11 .

[0102] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar control module 20 may include a plurality of modules, each having one or more corresponding coils. In addition, each module may be in contact with one or more adjacent modules. In addition, a plurality of modules are arranged to define the extension of the planar control module 20 along the first axis and the second axis.

[0103] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the planar motor 10 may further include a support structure 25 ( Figures 5 to 7 Schematically shown in FIG.

[0104] Figures 5 to 7Different variants of weight detection sensors 9 are schematically illustrated, which are configured to determine the weight of a respective package 2 moved to a respective inspection station 14 .

[0105] Preferably, independently of the specific variant, the control unit 6 can be configured to switch off the carrier 11 at the respective checkpoint 14, for example during a weight measurement step. The electromagnetic field can be switched off locally so that the respective carrier 11 is not subjected to any electromagnetic forces; this has the advantage that the weight measurement is not affected by electromagnetic forces acting on the respective carrier 11, which could have a positive or negative influence on the gravitational force.

[0106] Furthermore, each weight detection sensor 9 may include one or more sensors 26, such as one or more strain gauges or electromagnetic force recovery sensors.

[0107] according to Figure 5 In the variant shown, each sensor 26 can be arranged at a respective inspection station 14 and can be interposed between the support structure 25 and a plane control module 20 , preferably at least one respective module.

[0108] According to this variant, the control unit 6 can be configured to close each carrier 11 moved to a corresponding check station 14 so as to place the carrier 11 on a plane control module 20, preferably a corresponding module. Furthermore, the corresponding sensor or sensors 26 then generate a signal according to the weight of the carrier 11 and the corresponding package 2 carried by the carrier 11. Since the carrier 11 has a determined weight, the weight of the package 2 can be inferred.

[0109] according to Figure 6 In a variant, each sensor 26 can be arranged on a plane control module 20, preferably a corresponding module.

[0110] According to this variant, the control unit 6 may be configured to shut down each vehicle 11 moving to a respective inspection station 14 in order to place the vehicle 11 directly onto one or more respective sensors 26 .

[0111] according to Figure 7 In a variant, each weight detection sensor 9 may comprise a support 27 configured to carry the corresponding carrier 11, preferably during the weight measurement step. In addition, one or more sensors 26, such as one or more strain gauges, may be coupled to the support 27.

[0112] In addition, each bracket 27 may be suspended from the planar control module 20 (ie, the bracket 27 may be spaced apart from the planar control module 20 along a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis).

[0113] According to this variation, the control unit 6 may be configured to move each carrier 11 to the corresponding inspection station 14 so as to insert at least a portion of the support 27 between the corresponding carrier 11 and the plane control module 20. In addition, the control unit 6 may be configured to close each carrier 11 moved to the corresponding inspection station 14 so as to place the carrier 11 on the support 27.

[0114] According to one or more embodiments, as shown, each carrier 11 can receive a corresponding package 2, or multiple carriers 11 (preferably two carriers 11) can jointly receive packages 2. That is, a single package 2 can be sorted by multiple carriers 11 and moved by the transport device 7.

[0115] The carriers 11 may comprise fixing elements configured to hold the packages 2 in a predetermined position between the carriers 11. The carriers 11 may receive the packages 2 by applying pressure by means of corresponding fixing elements at opposite sides of the packages 2.

[0116] Advantageously, due to the combined movement, the transport device can be adapted to packages 2 of different sizes.

[0117] For example, a plurality of carriers 11 can jointly position the package 2 to the inspection unit 8. The carrier 11 can release the package 2 on the inspection unit 8, for example, on the weight detection sensor 9, and the inspection unit 8 can perform inspection, and the carrier 11 can retrieve the package 2 from the inspection unit 8.

[0118] Special reference Figure 2 , the transport device 7 may also include:

[0119] an inlet conveyor 21 for feeding the packages 2 to an inlet station 12 where they are transported onto respective carriers 11 ; and

[0120] an outlet conveyor 22 for receiving the packages 2 at the outlet station 13 ; in particular, when in use, the outlet conveyor 22 receives the packages 2 from the respective carrier 11 .

[0121] In more detail, the inlet conveyor 21 may be configured to feed the packages 2 from the package filling device 4 to the planar motor 10 .

[0122] Advantageously, the inlet conveyor 21 may include one or more feed tracks 23. Figure 2 Only one is shown in the specific embodiment.

[0123] The feed track 23 may comprise a conveyor belt for advancing the packages 2 .

[0124] According to some possible embodiments, the outlet conveyor 22 may be configured to advance the packages 2 from the outlet station 13 to further end-of-life processing means.

[0125] Preferably, the outlet conveyor 22 may include an outfeed track 24 .

[0126] The outfeed track 24 may include a conveyor belt for advancing the packages 2 .

[0127] Special reference Figure 1 The package filling device 4 can be configured to produce packages 2 and to fill the packages 2 with a pourable product.

[0128] In more detail, the package filling device 4 may be configured to produce the packages 2 by processing the tube 30 from the web 3 , sealing the tube 30 longitudinally, filling the tube 30 with the pourable product and sealing and cutting the tube 30 transversely.

[0129] Special reference Figure 1 , the package filling device 4 may include:

[0130] a transfer unit 31 for advancing (in a known manner) the coil 3 along a coil advancement path P to a forming station where, in use, the coil 3 is processed into a tube 4;

[0131] - an isolation chamber 32 having an internal environment, in particular a sterile internal environment containing a sterile gas and separated from a (hostile) external environment;

[0132] - a tube forming and sealing device 33, configured to form the advancing web 3 into a tube 30 in the internal environment and to seal the tube 30 longitudinally in the internal environment when in use;

[0133] - filling means 34 for filling the tube 30 with the pourable product; and

[0134] A package forming unit 35 configured to form, transversely seal and transversely cut the advancing tube 30 in order to form the packages 2 , during use.

[0135] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may also comprise a sterilization unit which is configured, when in use, to sterilize the advancing web 3 at the sterilization station.

[0136] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0137] The operation of the packaging machine 1 comprises at least the following steps:

[0138] - filling of the packages 2 with the pourable product, in particular performed by a package filling device 4; and

[0139] The packs 2 are selectively checked, in particular by a checking device 5 , in particular by one or more checking units 8 .

[0140] Furthermore, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may also include a step of forming the packs 2 , which is performed in particular by the pack filling device 4 .

[0141] In particular, the steps of filling and forming the packages 2 can be performed simultaneously.

[0142] More specifically, during the processing step and the filling step, the tube 30 is formed from the advancing web 3, longitudinally sealed, filled with the pourable product, transversely sealed and cut.

[0143] Preferably, the step of selectively performing the inspection may be performed after the filling step, in particular after the filling and molding steps.

[0144] According to certain preferred embodiments, the operation of the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a feeding step, in particular in which the packages 2 are fed from the package filling device 4 to the checking device 5 .

[0145] According to some possible embodiments, the filling step and / or the forming step can be performed and / or modified according to the inspection results obtained during the inspection step. For example, the operating parameters of the packaging production device 4 can be defined according to the inspection results.

[0146] In more detail, in the step of selectively performing checks, the following sub-steps are performed:

[0147] - loading the packages 2 onto the respective carriers 11 at the inlet station 12;

[0148] - selectively moving some or all of the carriers 11 , in particular together with the corresponding packages 2 , to a check station 14 ; and

[0149] - Inspecting the packages 2 moved to the inspection station 14 .

[0150] Additionally, after the inspection sub-step, the carrier 11 (and the respective packages 2 it carries) is moved to an exit station 13 .

[0151] Furthermore, during the selective execution of the inspection step, another movement sub-step is performed, during which some carriers 11 are moved from the entry station 12 to the exit station 13 without passing through the inspection station 14 .

[0152] In more detail, during the inspection sub-step, the control unit 6 controls any movement of the vehicle 11 by controlling the local electromagnetic field selectively generated by the coil.

[0153] In more detail, during the check substep:

[0154] - the imaging device 15 can image the packages 2 moving to the inspection station 14: and / or

[0155] - the scanning device 16 can acquire three-dimensional data of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14; and / or

[0156] The weight detection sensor 9 makes it possible to determine the weight of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14 .

[0157] Furthermore, in the inspection sub-step, each analysis device 17 can be configured to determine the quality of the package 2 moved to the inspection station 14 and / or inspect the package 2 for defects by analyzing images and / or a three-dimensional model reconstructed from the three-dimensional data and / or from the determined weight.

[0158] In more detail, according to some possible embodiments, during the sub-step of checking, the weight of the package 2 may be determined by means of one or more corresponding sensors 26 .

[0159] During the determination of the weight of each respective package 2, the control unit 6 switches off the respective carrier 11; ie the control unit 6 ensures that the local electromagnetic field is switched off, so that the carrier 11 is not subjected to any electromagnetic forces during the weight measurement.

[0160] In more detail, if we return to Figure 5 In a variant, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 so as to place each carrier 11 onto a plane control module 20, preferably onto a corresponding module.

[0161] When considering Figure 6 In a variation of this, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 so as to place each corresponding carrier 11 onto the corresponding one or more sensors 26 .

[0162] In addition, considering Figure 7 In a variation of this, the control unit 6 controls each carrier 11 so that each corresponding carrier 11 is placed on a corresponding support 27.

[0163] Regardless of the specific variant, the respective analysis unit 17 receives signals from the respective sensor or sensors 26 regarding the weight of the respective carrier 11 and the weight of the respective package 2. Since the weight of each carrier 11 is known to the respective analysis unit 17 (preferably having been previously measured), the required information regarding the weight of each package 2 can be obtained.

[0164] Reference Figure 4, numeral 5' denotes an alternative embodiment of the inspection device according to the present invention; since the inspection device 5' is similar to the inspection device 5, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and the same reference is used as much as possible to indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0165] In particular, the inspection device 5 ′ differs from the inspection device 5 in that the outlet conveyor 22 comprises a first outfeed track 24 and a second outfeed track 24 ′ offset from the first outfeed track 24 .

[0166] Furthermore, the control unit 6 may be configured to move the carrier 11 so that all or part of the packages 2 inspected by the inspection unit 8 during use are fed to the second outfeed track 24 ′, while the packages 2 not inspected by the inspection unit 8 during use are fed to the first outfeed track 24 .

[0167] For example, the control unit 6 can be configured to move the carrier 11 so that those packages 2 which have already been checked by the checking unit 8 during use and require further quality assessment can be fed to the second outfeed track 24 ′.

[0168] Since the operation of the inspection device 5 ′ is similar to that of the inspection device 5 , the following description is limited to the differences therebetween.

[0169] In particular, during the selective inspection step, all or part of the packs 2 inspected by the inspection unit 8 are fed to the second outfeed track 24 ′ after the inspection sub-step, while other packs 2 not inspected are fed to the first outfeed track 24 .

[0170] The advantages of the inspection devices 5 and 5' and / or the packaging machine 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.

[0171] In particular, the inspection device 5 or 5 ′ makes it possible to inspect the packs 2 without interrupting production.

[0172] Another advantage is that the checked packages 2 can be easily sent back and can be advanced further together with the unchecked packages 2 or the checked packages 2 can be advanced in a different way.

[0173] Another advantage is that the weight detection sensor 9 can measure the weight of the package 2 efficiently and accurately, and has a simple design.

[0174] Obviously, modifications may be made to the inspection devices 5 and 5' and / or to the packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

[0175] According to some possible embodiments not shown, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a plurality of inspection devices 5 or 5 ′.

[0176] Preferably, a plurality of inspection devices 5 or 5' may be arranged in parallel or in series.

[0177] In particular, each inspection device 5 or 5 ′ may be arranged to receive portions of a plurality of produced packages 2 and / or to inspect portions of an entire produced package 2 .

Claims

1. An inspection device (5) for inspecting packages (2) produced by a packaging machine (1), comprising: - a control unit (6) for controlling the operation of the inspection device (5); - transport device (7); as well as - an inspection unit (8) configured to inspect the packages (2); The transport device (7) comprises a planar motor (10) having a plurality of carriers (11), wherein the planar motor (10) is configured to receive the package (2) at an inlet station (12) and transport the package (2) to an outlet station (13); wherein the inspection device (8) is arranged at an inspection station (14); wherein the control unit (6) is configured to selectively control the movement of the vehicles (11) so as to selectively direct one or more vehicles (11) toward the inspection station (14) and then toward the exit station (13); and The inspection device (8) is configured to inspect the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14) when in use.

2. Inspection device according to claim 1, wherein each carrier (11) receives a corresponding package (2), or wherein a plurality of carriers (11), preferably two carriers (11), jointly receive a package (2).

3. An inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (6) is configured to selectively control the movement of each of the carriers (11) so as to selectively guide the carriers (11) toward the inspection station (14) and then toward the exit station (13).

4. Inspection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inspection unit (8) comprises an imaging device (15) configured to acquire an image of the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14) when in use.

5. The inspection device according to claim 4, further comprising an analyzing device (17) configured to analyze the image.

6. An inspection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inspection unit (8) comprises a scanning device (16), in particular a laser scanning device (16), which is configured to scan and acquire data about the three-dimensional structure of the packaging (2) moved to the inspection station (14) when in use.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, further comprising an analysis device (17), wherein the analysis device (17) is configured to reconstruct a corresponding three-dimensional model of the corresponding package (2) from the data of the corresponding three-dimensional structure obtained by the scanning device (16).

8. An inspection device according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the analysis device (17) is configured to determine the quality of the package (2) and / or inspect defects of the package (2), in particular based on an analysis of the corresponding image and / or the corresponding three-dimensional model.

9. The inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inspection unit (8) further comprises a weight detection sensor (9) for detecting the weight of the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14).

10. Inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the weight detection sensor (9) comprises at least one sensor (26) configured to determine the weight of the package (2) moved to the inspection station (14).

11. Inspection device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor (26) is a strain gauge or an electromagnetic force recovery sensor.

12. The inspection device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the planar motor (10) comprises a planar control module (20), the planar control module (20) comprising a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier (11); wherein each sensor (26) is placed on the plane control module (20) at a corresponding inspection station (14); or wherein the planar motor (10) further comprises a support structure (25) for transporting the planar control module (20), and each sensor (26) is located between the support structure (25) and the planar control module (20) at the inspection station (14); or The weight detection sensor (9) comprises a support (27) and one or more sensors (26) coupled to the support (27), wherein the support (27) is configured to carry each carrier (11) together with the corresponding package (2) moving to the corresponding inspection station (14).

13. An inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the planar motor (10) comprises a planar control module (20) comprising a plurality of coils configured to generate a local electromagnetic field for selectively moving the carrier (11); wherein each carrier (11) comprises at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element; The plane control module (20) extends along a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y); The control unit (6) is configured to selectively control the movement of each carrier (11) along the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y) by controlling the interaction of the local electromagnetic field with the at least one magnetic and / or ferromagnetic element of each carrier (11).

14. The inspection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device (7) further comprises: - an inlet conveyor (21) for feeding the packages (2) to the inlet station (12); as well as - an outlet conveyor (22) for receiving said packages (2) at said outlet station (13); wherein the outlet conveyor (22) comprises a first discharge track (24) and a second discharge track (24') offset from the first discharge track (24); The control unit (6) is configured to move the carrier (11) to feed part or all of the packages (2) that are inspected by the inspection unit (8) during use to the second discharge track (24'), and to feed the packages (2) that are not inspected by the inspection unit (8) during use to the first discharge track (24).

15. A packaging machine (1) for producing packages (2) filled with a pourable product, comprising: - package filling means (4) for filling the packages (2) with the pourable product; as well as - At least one checking device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images